Kyiv: In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has publicly proposed a temporary ceasefire with Russia, suggesting that halting active hostilities could open the door for a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The announcement comes amid a prolonged and brutal war that has gripped Eastern Europe for over three years.
Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, President Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of creating a climate conducive to dialogue. He proposed that all sides observe a cessation of hostilities, at least until a formal meeting with President Putin can be arranged. “We are prepared to pause military actions if it leads to direct talks and a real opportunity for peace,” Zelenskiy said. “We call on our international partners to support this initiative and help facilitate such a meeting.”
The proposed ceasefire, if accepted, would mark the first broad attempt in months to reduce violence on the front lines, where heavy artillery fire and drone strikes continue to claim lives daily. Zelenskiy’s move is seen as a gesture toward de-escalation, though analysts warn it faces significant hurdles, including Moscow’s willingness to engage.
The proposal follows closely on the heels of a peace-focused summit held in Istanbul on June 2. Although the summit did not result in a comprehensive agreement, it yielded modest progress, including a tentative deal for a large-scale prisoner exchange expected to take place later this week. The Istanbul meeting, hosted by Turkish mediators and attended by representatives from multiple nations, laid out preliminary steps toward rebuilding trust and humanitarian cooperation.
Zelenskiy’s ceasefire call builds on this momentum and reflects a growing push from international actors, including the Vatican, the EU, and the United Nations, to reignite stalled negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
As of this writing, there has been no official response from the Kremlin regarding Zelenskiy's proposal. Russian officials have previously signaled openness to talks under certain conditions, but deep mistrust, battlefield dynamics, and competing political narratives continue to cloud the path forward.
Western leaders have cautiously welcomed the idea of a truce, with some calling it a "test of sincerity" for both parties. “This is a critical window,” a senior EU diplomat said. “If both sides truly want peace, they must be willing to pause and talk.”
Despite the optimism surrounding Zelenskiy's announcement, military analysts remain skeptical about implementation. Ceasefires in the past have been fragile and short-lived, often collapsing amid renewed fighting or tactical disagreements. There is also concern that Russia might use a pause to regroup militarily rather than negotiate in good faith.
Still, the symbolic and strategic value of the proposal cannot be underestimated. As the war drags on, with devastating effects on civilians and infrastructure, any serious bid to silence the guns—however temporary—offers a sliver of hope in a bleak landscape.
Zelenskiy concluded his remarks with a message directed not only to his Russian counterpart but to the world: “Peace is still possible. But it must begin with courage—the courage to stop fighting, and the courage to start talking.”